Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States

Table 2

Table 2.Salinity Modifiers used in this classification system.

Coastal Modifiersa

Inland Modifiersb

Salinity (parts per thousand)

Approximate specific conductance (µMhos at 25°C)

Hyperhaline

Hypersaline

>40

>60,000

Euhaline

Eusaline

30.0-40

45,000-60,000

Mixohaline (Brackish)

Mixosalinec

0.5-30

800-45,000

Polyhaline

Polysaline

18.0-30

30,000-45,000

Mesohaline

Mesosaline

5.0-18

8,000-30,000

Oligohaline

Oligosaline

0.5-5

800-8,000

Fresh

Fresh

<0.5

<800

aCoastal Modifiers are used in the Marine and Estuarine Systems.bInland Modifiers are used in the Riverine, Lacustrine, and Palustrine Systems.cThe term Brackish should not be used for inland wetlands or deepwater habitats.